How Does Illinois Define Driving Under The Influence (Dui)?

Illinois defines driving under the influence (DUI) by measuring your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) level. If you are driving with a BAC of 0.08% or more, then Illinois considers you legally drunk and you cannot driver or operate a car or other motor vehicle. If you are less than 0.08% but more than 0.05%, then an officer can still give you a DUI if your conduct seems impaired. While you are within this range, the cop has a lot of discretion to punish you but you do not get automatic penalties like you would if your BAC was greater than 0.08%. Also, even if your BAC is not 0.05%, you're still more likely to get into an accident than if you were not drinking at all.

How Does Illinois Penalize Drunk Drivers?

Illinois has various statutory, administrative, and criminal penalties for drunk drivers. By statute, if you fail a breathalyzer test or refuse to submit to one, then your license can be immediately suspended for up to 6 or 12 months. Also, you will be arrested and arraigned for court proceedings. Administratively, the Illinois Secretary of State's office will revoke your license and require you to complete or pay for the following items:

Pay a driver's license reinstatement fee of $500.

Pay a new driver's license fee of $30.

Submit proof of financial responsibility.

Complete a drug/alcohol evaluation.

Complete a drug/alcohol program (if ordered).

Install a Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on your car.

Pay an IID installation fee of $85

Pay an IID per month rental fee of $80

Pay an IID per month monitoring fee of $30

Finally, Illinois also criminally punishes drunk drivers. For your first DUI offense, you will have to surrender your license between 1 and 2 years depending on your age, go to jail for up to 6 months, pay at least $1,000, perform community service activities, complete a drug and alcohol program, and deregister your car. If you have additional DUI offenses, these penalties will increase.

How Do Drivers Get Their Licenses Back After A Dui?

Penalties for driving under the influence in Illinois are stiff. However, the process to get your license back after a DUI can be just as severe and expensive. Here are some things you will need to do to get yours back if you are given a DUI:

Go to a hearing:

First DUI: hearing can be completed by going to a hearing officer.

Additional DUIs: hearing must be requested in writing and by paying a $50 fee.

Worried The Drunk Driver Will Not Be Punished Properly?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC constantly sees the worry in the eyes of drunk driving victims. They fear that the perpetrator will get off without appropriate punishment. However, with competent and dedicated representation, they will get the punishment and you will get the recovery that you both deserve. We can help you get that at no cost, on contingency, which means that you don't pay for a dime of expenses until the suit is over and you are satisfied. Contact our offices today and someone from the Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers LLC will put you on the path to recovery immediately.

“Too many lawyers try pass you off to another person in their office to answer questions. Not Jonathan. I have already referred some family members to Jonathan for their injury cases. I consider Jonathan both my lawyer and my friend.”- Annie

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